DoW Neurofibromatosis Investigator-Initiated Research Award

The FY26 Neurofibromatosis Research Program Investigator-Initiated Research Award supports high-impact, non-clinical trial research aimed at addressing critical needs in neurofibromatosis disorders and advancing patient care. Applications must include preliminary or published data relevant to neurofibromatosis and may focus on any phase of research, including genetics, genomics, epigenetics, systems biology, biomarker discovery, target identification, drug discovery, non-tumor manifestations like pain and cognitive behavioral effects, and health services research, with specific emphasis on NF2- and schwannomatosis-related areas, phenotypic heterogeneity, and data science applications. The award offers two funding levels: Level 1 provides up to $840,000 for applications without additional features, while Level 2 provides up to $920,000 for those incorporating either the Open Science Initiative, which requires data sharing through the NF Data Portal and adherence to FAIR principles, or the Optional Qualified Collaborator provision, which mandates collaboration between basic and clinical researchers or academic and biotechnology entities. A minimum 10% level of effort is required for collaborators. The maximum period of performance is three years, with awards funded by FY26 dollars must be obligated by September 30, 2027, and funds expire on September 30, 2032. The total program funding is approximately $6.04 million, with an expected award of five Level 1 and two Level 2 grants. Applicants must submit a complete proposal via either eBRAP or Grants.gov, depending on institutional affiliation, including mandatory attachments such as the Project Narrative, Technical Abstract, Lay Abstract, Statement of Work (three-page limit), Impact Statement, Research Sharing Plan, Biographical Sketches, Current/Pending Support, and Budget. Additional required documents include the Representations form for Grants.gov submissions, Animal Research Plans if applicable, and Letters of Collaboration for Qualified Collaborator applications. A pre-application Letter of Intent with a one-page limit is required to be submitted through eBRAP. All submissions must comply with the Department of Defense Grant and Agreement Regulations under 32 CFR, Chapter I, Subchapter C, and 2 CFR, Chapter XI, and applicants must maintain an active SAM.gov registration. Evaluation is based on Research Strategy and Feasibility, Personnel qualifications including commitment to collaboration, and the Quality of the Research Sharing Plan, with additional unscoring considerations for budget appropriateness, research